It's Showtime for Whyte in the Challenge
On a day where a number of our equine champions resume for the season, look no further than champion rider Douglas Whyte to win the Jockey Challenge at Sha Tin this afternoon.
As $2.70 favourite, Whyte boasts a strong card of eight quality mounts, including Hong Kong Derby winner Super Satin, and looks to have four terrific chances for the powerhouse John Size stable.
Jeff Lloyd ($4.30) and Darren Beadman ($6) appear Whyte's biggest dangers, although Brett Prebble ($7.50) could also prove a fly in the ointment for Whyte backers with his small but select book.
Vitality Express can get Whyte and Size off to a flying start after a strong second at Happy Valley second-up and, with two runs under his belt, will be extremely hard to hold out up to 1,800m.
Surfer Boy is a likely improver second-up with Whyte taking over the reins from Terry Wong Chi-wai for trainer Dennis Yip Chor-hong. He peaked at the 200m from home on debut and will strip fitter. Whyte holds all the aces in the Triple Trio legs and will carry plenty of money through the favourites Great Renown, Lucky Magic and Hot Shot in the heart of the meeting.
While he doesn't have a ride in the feature sprint, Whyte finishes the programme with a strong run of alliteration with Sapelli, Super Satin and Showtime.
That should be all the firepower Whyte needs to stoke up yet another Jockey Challenge win and steam clear at the head of the jockeys' premiership.
